Colchester: Students robbed at gunpoint

Two students were forced to hand over their wallets during a gunpoint robbery this morning.

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The attack happened on Distillery Lane, in the Hythe area of Colchester, shortly after 3am.

Five robbers got out of a parked silver car and threatened the two male victims, both aged 18 and from the area.

One of the attackers threatened the pair with a black handgun, and in fear the victims handed over their mobile phones and wallets.

The gang then got back into the car and drove off.

Det Con Adele Brown, investigating officer, said: “We examined CCTV footage throughout today and it appears this car was driven into and out of Distillery Lane from the Tesco side.

“We are looking to speak with any taxi drivers or people who were working in the area between 3-3.30am this morning and who saw any usual activity on Distillery Lane or a car being driven around the area with five young men inside.

“These two young victims are very shaken up and taking in what happened to them. We want to offer them reassurance by taking this group of people off the streets, but need people’s assistance to do so.”

The attackers are all described as white, in their early 20s and were wearing hoodies.

One man had shaved, ginger hair while another had an eyebrow pierced with a silver bar.

Both young men were pushed around during the robbery but neither suffered any injury.

They had been at a nearby friend’s house during the evening prior to the attack and were walking home.

Anyone with information should contact detectives at Colchester police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.